Activity

Guardian of Mathematical Knowledge.

Characters:

Theano of Crotone

Theme: Background of classical philosophy.

Competencies

Competence in Linguistic Communication

Personal, social and learning to learn competence

Competence in cultural awareness and expressions

Subjects and year by Educational System

Spain > Classical culture > 2nd ESO > Classical roots of today's world. History and socio-political evolution

Enunciation

1- Pythagorean female philosophers. Although ancient philosophy history has been presented as an environment dominated by men, almost all philosophical schools accepted women. The first known female philosophers were linked to the Pythagorean school. Members of the Pythagorean school of Crotone, to which Theano belonged, lived in community, so women were completely integrated and participated in the activities.&nbsp; &nbsp; - Search on the internet and find the names of seven female philosophers.&nbsp;
2- Theano of Crotone. Undoubtedly, the most known Pythagorean woman is Theano. She was philosopher, mathematician, and teacher in the school. However, her contributions have been overshadowed. Firstly, in Antiquity, it was a common practice for the contributions of all the members, including Theano, to be signed with the name of the leader of the school. On the other hand, she suffered the so-called Matilda effect. &nbsp;&nbsp; a- Find what this effect is and give examples of other historical periods. &nbsp;
b- Look up information about Theano on the internet and say what were her contributions. &nbsp;
3- The end of the Pythagorean school. The Pythagorean school was destroyed during a revolt of Crotone citizens against their group, which took over control of the city. Pythagoras himself was expelled from the city, but it is said that he did not survive and died in 507 BC. Most of the members of the Pythagorean community fled the city and spread around of Greece. Look up information about this episode and find: &nbsp; &nbsp; a- The role played in the preservation of the school's legacy by Theano and her daughters. &nbsp;
b- The case of philosopher Tymicha of Sparta. &nbsp;

Observations and context

Crotone was in Theanus' time a colony of Magna Graecia.

Enheduanna (25th century BC) was a predecessor of Theano of Crotone. She is considered to be the first woman in the history of science and the first one to sign her work, in cuneiform; as well the Egyptian physician Peseshet or the Assyrian perfumers like Taputti, who paved the way for later women.

Some of Theano's contemporaries are other women in the Pythagorean school that were born around 500 BC, such as Damo, Myia and Arignote of Crotona, considered to be daughters of Theano and Pythagoras by several authors. Even though there is not much information about them, some other women belonging to this group were Babelica of Argos, Beo of Argos, Quilonis, Equecratia de Fliunte, Ecelo and Ocelo of Lucania, Habrotelia of Tarento, Cleecma, Cratesiclea, Lastenia of Arcadia, Pisirroda of Tarento, Fintis, Teadusa, Timica and Tirsenis of Sibaris.

Following Theano, we can find Aglaonice (3rd century BC, known for her ability to predict eclipses) and Hypatia (4th century AD).

The activity has been assigned to 2nd of ESO, in the block of Classical roots of today's world. History and socio-political evolution, even though it can be carried out in other years.

Description

This activity highlights the importance of women in the Pythagorean school and the fundamental role of Theano after its destruction. The activity is based on the autonomous research of students about the different topics proposed: Pythagorean female philosophers, the figure of Theano of Crotone, and finally the goal of the Pythagorean school.

Answer

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